Don't Fear Little Flock

So, it seems the world has lost its mind. People are clearing store shelves of non-perishable items as if the Apocalypse is happening tomorrow. Toilet paper is like gold, as well as rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer. Even pantry staples like rice and pasta are unavailable. Fear of a low possibility of being quarantined in your home for two weeks or the low possibility of contracting coronavirus has overrun good sense. How could this happen in a week’s time? 

Despite medical experts calling for common-sense measures, like simply washing your hands and staying home if you’re sick, the country seems determined to overreact. What do we do now in the midst of panic and irrational fear? If we’re only hoping in our ability to take care of ourselves, then we're in trouble. The national culture of rugged individualism and self-sufficiency will let us down. We will behave in terrible ways to put ourselves first and who we really are surfaces in an ugly manner. Everyone loses.

If you’ve entrusted your life to Jesus, you should have an entirely different perspective. Christians, we have a Savior to see us through the storm of panic and uncertainty. God’s Word is full of promises for times of trouble, which happen to everyone. No one is ever exempt from them, but as God’s children we have assurance in His care and provision. He has always taken care of us in the past; He will surely do so now.

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

​Remember Jesus’ response to the disciples who panicked during a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee?

Luke 8:23-24
The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

It’s tempting to fall into the cycle of constantly watching the news or browsing social media for the latest updates.  We’ve been well trained by the media to stay tuned. That, I believe is a trap. It easily overtakes our thoughts and can direct our behavior in the wrong ways. It takes our eyes off Jesus, which is what happened to the disciples in the storm. They focused on the circumstances and not the One who could command the storm to stop.

Paul gave instructions for the right way to handle fear and trouble to the Philippian church who had a lot of angst from a cruel emperor and a Roman government that persecuted Christians in unimaginable ways, including torture and death.

Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

What does that look like in our present unpredictable circumstances? Here are a few suggestions for your consideration.

Stay informed, but don’t spend hours with newscasters or Face Book. Set your mind on reading and listening to His Word, more than the news. Spend more time with Jesus in prayer and His Word. This is definitely counter-cultural behavior.

Be ready to help your neighbors. If shortages come because of the panic, share your supplies with those in need—even TP. Buy groceries and supplies sensibly, not with a hoarding mentality.

Pray for our leaders on the national, state, and local levels. They need extraordinary wisdom and leadership abilities.

Obey recommendations put out by the CDC and government authorities. This can mean inconvenience and disruption of routines for a while. Do it anyway. My church is modifying several things in worship services for a few weeks upon recommendations from the CDC and church authorities. Yes, it’ll be different, but we’ll survive the change.

Most importantly, be ready to give an answer for the hope that it in you. Everyone needs Jesus and in times of trouble, Christians need to be on the front lines to demonstrate the Good News in word and deed, because God has already demonstrated His love for us.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Additional Resources:
 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-we-know-coronavirus/

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/children-coronavirus/

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/neighbor-love-covid-19/

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